# Vintage Synth USBs The Roland TR-808 Flash Drive Pays Homage to a Legendary Beat Machine By Matt Ho | Published 2011-08-09 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/roland-tr-808-flash-drive References: [engadget](http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/04/roland-tr-808-flash-drive-takes-synth-style-leaves-music-to-the/) & [shop.alkotabeats](http://shop.alkotabeats.com/product/8gb-tr-808-flash-drive-pre-order-now) For those who miss the [old school synth machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/16bit-display) from back in the day, you'll like the [Roland](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tr8s-30) TR-808 Flash Drive. The Roland TR-808 Flash Drive pays homage to the legendary machine that's been so prominent in the music industry. Whether used for hip-hop or electro, the TR-808 was a favorite among many famous musicians. The design replicates the vintage machine in every way from the buttons to the colors. While the [USB stick](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sandisk-crayola-usbc) can't help you throw down any beats or high-pitched synthesizer noises, you can store some computer files in it. With 8GB capacity, this should be more than enough for the average user. This is a must-have for music fanatics with a taste for the retro. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.3/10 - Popularity: 10% | Activity: 22% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Retro-inspired Usbs:** Opportunity for creating USB storage devices that pay homage to iconic retro machines, appealing to nostalgic consumers. - **Music Memorabilia Tech Accessories:** Disruptive innovation opportunity lies in developing tech accessories that replicate iconic musical instruments or equipment, catering to passionate music enthusiasts. - **Vintage Design Revival:** Opportunity to tap into the demand for vintage-inspired designs and aesthetics, creating products that evoke nostalgia and appeal to a niche market segment. ### Where This Applies - **Tech Accessories:** Tech accessory industry can explore the development of retro-inspired USB storage devices to cater to nostalgic consumers and music enthusiasts. - **Music Merchandise:** The music merchandise industry has an opportunity to introduce tech accessories that replicate iconic musical instruments or equipment, appealing to fans and collectors. - **Design and Aesthetics:** Design-focused industry can tap into the demand for vintage-inspired designs by creating products that evoke nostalgia and resonate with individuals seeking retro aesthetics. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Charming Retro Storage](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/floppy-disk-inspired-sd-card.md) - [Affordable Music-Making Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/easyplay-1s.md) - [Retro Tech Wallets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/floppy-disk-wallet.md) - [Object-Resembling USB Drives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sandisk-1.md) - [Quirky Strummable Synths](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electronic-synth.md) - [Pocket-Sized Beat Makers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stylophone-beat.md) - [Nostalgic Retro Music Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/diy-mixtape-kit.md) - [Nostalgic Compact Clear Cassettes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cp81.md) - [Cassette-Inspired Music Players](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/retro-audio-player.md)